In his complaint to Speaker Rana KP Singh, Tinu said, “I am pained and disturbed by the derogatory language used by the minister just because I’m a Dalit. Does my being a Dalit mean that I am not entitled to the respect other members are given?”

punjabUpdated: Jun 21, 2017 14:34 IST

HT Correspondent Hindustan Times, Chandigarh

Punjab local government minister Navjot Singh Sidhu (HT File)

The Shiromani Akali Dal demanded an apology from Punjab local government minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for insulting Adampur MLA Pawan Tinu and refusing to answer his question in the assembly on Wednesday.

In his complaint to Speaker Rana KP Singh, Tinu said, “I am pained and disturbed by the derogatory language used by the minister just because I’m a Dalit. Does my being a Dalit mean that I am not entitled to the respect other members are given?”

Tinu was enquiring about the working of the sewage treatment plant (STP) in Adampur town during the question answer session. Sidhu said none of the 64 STPs set up during the Akali tenure were in working condition.

The nonchalant response sparked off an argument between the two after which the Adampur MLA walked to the well of the House alleging casteist remarks by Sidhu. He accused the minister of saying, “Ehoje MLAian da vi jawab deyunga (Now should I reply to such MLAs).”

The Akalis joined Tinu’s protest and later submitted a complaint to the Speaker.